B-to-A switch bid refused
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iN Monday an application by
William A. Thomas, of Welshampton, near Ellesmere, for a switch of three B-licensed vehicles to an A licence was refused by the West Midland deputy Lincensing Authority, Mr. R. Hall.
Mr. D. E. Skelding, appearing for some of the objectors, submitted that no prima facie case had been made out for the granting of A licences and that variations to the existing B licences would meet Mr. Thomas' requirements and those of his potential customers.
Mr. Thomas said that his present licences were mainly for carrying solid materials in bulk. The conditions were varied on June 29 with a short-term extension allowing him to carry sand and gravel for Tudor Griffith Transport Ltd., within 60 miles.
He operated three nine-ton tippers, but it was his intention, if the grant were made, to dispose of one of these and replace another with a six-wheeled vehicle capable of carrying 11 to 12 tons.
Most of his traffic over the past year had been in bricks, coal, wheat, lime and slag. He now had the prospect of carrying other loads.
Mr. J. Foley Eggington, representing other objectors, said the granting of an A licence would bring Mr. Thomas into com petition with other hauliers from outside the district.
For the applicant, Mr. Norman Carless said that the present B licence conditions were very cumbersome. There was no doubt that Mr. Thomas had made out a case for the full use of two vehicles.
Rejecting the application, Mr. Hall adjourned the hearing to see whether Mr. Thomas and the objectors would agree on the terms of extending the B licences.
When he was told later that they could not agree, he announced that the licences would be extended to cover both points on which there was agreement. These were the deletion of the restriction of carrying lime and fertilizer to be spread in own spreaders, and an extension to cover the carriage of coal for specified merchants.
Mr. Thomas could make a further application if he wished, added the deputy LA.